Stalk cutter



Dec. 21, '1943. P. w. SPELL STALK CUTTER Filed April 15, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Cluorng P. W. SPELL STALK CUTTER Filed April 15, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 06 //J w/M 5,

gwuazwtom Dec. 21, 1943. P, w. SPELL STALK CUTTER Filed April 15, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 21, 1943. w, SPELL 2,337,355

STALK CUTTER Filed April 15, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Gum/neg Patented Dec. 21, 1943 UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFICE 17 Claims.

This invention relates to stalk cutters and is an improvement over my prior Patent No. 2,067,104, granted January 5, 1937.

An important object of the invention is to pro- Vide an improved stalk cutting mechanism, particularly a mechanism adapted for cutting the stalks of corn, cotton, tobacco and other plants wherein the stalk is uprooted and cut into relatively small pieces which can be readily turned under, the pieces being sufficiently small so as not to interfere with future cultivation of the soil.

A further object is to provide a novel apparatus of the character referred to which may be mounted as a dual mechanism on opposite sides of a conventional tractor so as to render it operative for s multaneously uprooting and cutting the stalks of two rows at a time.

A further object is to provide such a dual apparatus wherein the cutting mechanisms as a whole are supported in a novel manner with respect to a tractor and wherein the two un ts are adjustable toward and away from each other to permit the apparatus to operate properly with respect to rows of stalks the distances between which vary somewhat, whereby sucoessve stalks in row are out of the line of movement of the apparatus.

A further object is to provide novel means for positively pulling the stalks from the ground and for positively feeding them to the cutters.

A further object is to provide novel driving mechanisms for the stalk cutting and feeding devices, and more specifically to provide novel means for directly driving the cutters from a power take-off mechanism driven by the source of power of the tractor.

A further object is to provide an apparatus of the character just referred to wherein power for driving the feeding mechanism is derived from a wheeled structure adapted to roll over the ground, and wherein the apparatus is provided with novel means for rendering such driving means inoperative when desired.

A further object is to provide novel means for cutting the laterally extending roots of the stalks to facilitate the lifting of the stalks from the ground.

A further object is to provide a novel arrangement of parts operative for elevating the forward end of each cutting frame and maintaining it in elevated inoperative position.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings I have shown two embodiments of the invention. In this showing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown position with relation to a tractor,

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view on line 2-2 of Figure 1, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in position with respect to a tractor.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view through the driving mechanism for the stalk feeding means,

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of one of the cutting mechanisms at the lower front end of one frame, particularly showing the guiding and root cutting elements,

Figure '7 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 'i'! of Figure 6,

Figure 8 is a detail perspective view of one of the stalk guiding and root cutting elements,

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail fragmentary sectional view on line 9-9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a similar View on line liilil of Figure 9, the sprocket being shown in elevation,

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of parts of the stalk gripping and lifting mechanism, the elements thereof being shown separated,

Figure 12 is a detail fragmentary plan view of parts of the cutter driving mechanism and associated elements of the tractor, parts being broken away and parts being shown in section,

Figure 13 is a sectionv taken on line 13-43 of Figure 1,

Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of a portion of the frame elevating mechanism,

Figure '15 is a detail sectional view on line 55-45 of Figure 14, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure-16 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view on line lt-I 6 of Figure 3, parts being shown in elevation,

Figure 17 is a sectional view similar to Figure 13 showing a modified form of construction, and,

Figure 1815 a detail fragmentary sectional view on line iii-i3 of Figure 17.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the numeral l9 designates as a whole a tractor of conventional type which is provided with a relatively narrow forward body II having its forward end supported by a dirigible wheel [2 operated in the usual manner from a steering wheel i3 adjacent the drivers seat i i. The rear end of the tractor is supported by relatively widely spaced traction wheels l5 of substantial size. These wheels are driven by axles it (Figure 12) having their inner ends driven by the usual differential gearing (not shown) in a housing ll. Thi housing is at the rear end of a housing l3 extending forwardly for connection with the body of the tractor in which is arranged the usual power plant. differential housing ll is provided with 'a rearwardly extending integral draft connection member [9 to which farm implements are customarily connected, and the element l9 forms the only positiveponnection with the apparatus to be described by means of which such apparatus is moved forwardly over 'the ground. This arrangement will be described in detail later.

Referring to Figure 3 it will be noted that the structure of the particular type of tractor with which the present apparatus is intended to be used is such as to provide substantial spaces outwardly of the body If and forwardly of the Wheels 15, such space extending within the space between the wheels l5 rearwardly of the front portions thereof. These spaces are utilized for the stalk lifting and cutting mechanisms of the present invention. One suchmechanisrn-is shown in each of the spaces referred to and will be described'in detail latter. Generally speaking, each of the stalk lifting and cutting mechanisms is indicated as a whole by the numeral and each comprises spaced vertical forward Iposts 2| a'ndia rear post 22. The upper ends of the forward posts of each unit are connected by a cros's'ine'm'ber (Figure 3). At each side of each unit upper, inner and outer rails 24 and 25 eirtend from the cross r'ne'mber23 rearwardly parallel to each other approximately to the points 26 and then converge 'as at 21 and 28 ;respec tively for connection with the rear post 22. V The rails 24 and 25 lie in a common plane which slopes upwardly and rearwardly as shown in Figure 1.

Inner and outer vertical connecting members 2'9 and (Figures 1 and 1a) are connected at their upper ends 'to the rails 24 and 25 and extend-downwardly approximately perpendicular to the plane of 'the rails 24 and 25. as shown in Figure 1. Lower inner and outer rails 3! and 32 .are connected at their forward ends to the forward posts "2! and extend frear'wardly therefrom in a horizontal plane and parallel to each bther until they reach the connecting members 29 and 30, and rear-wardly of these members the rails 3| and 32 converge rearwardly as at 33 and 3 respectively for connection with the rear post "22.

Each of the units 2!) carries a stalk connectreceives the flange of its associated post 22 in order topermit the latter to move vertically while partaking of very slight movement from its true vertical pos tion. Moreover, the grooves of the guides 37 are substantially deeper than the width of the base or each post22 to permit these posts The ends of the yoke 35 H. Accordingly the housing @2 is guided for vertical movement in the "straps il' but is prevented from partaking of any longitudinal move- -'ment, that is, movement transversely of the tractor. The housing 42 is open at both ends and upper and lower bars Ml extend therethrough and are honnected at their ends as at 45 to the respective posts Z-l. The adjacent faces of the bars ii are formed as racks 4S and these racks are engaged by a pinion 41 mounted on a shaft 43. The rear end of this shaft is provided with a pinion (not shown) identical with the pinion t? and operating in the same manner and'for the same purpose, as will be described. Such other pinion engages racks carried by bars similar to the bars 44 arranged in another of the housings 42 which are also carried by straps M and these straps are arranged approximately in -transverse alinement with the connecting members Z9 and are secured thereto in the same manner that the bars lid in Figure 5 are connected to the posts 2!. Inasmuch as the mechanism associated with the 'rear straps (ii is identical Withthat in the forward straps 41, except as willbe described, they have not been shown in detail except that the connection of one of the rear bars Gi l to one 'o'ffthe connecting members 29has been shownfin Figure 13.

Atorsion spring surrounds the shaft 68 adjacent its forward end, the rear end of the spring being connected to the shaft ii! and the for- Ward end being connected to the adjacent housing 52. This spring is provided for the purpose of tending to maintain the shaft in a normal position, thus similarly tending to maintain the pini tl and racks 46 in normal positions whereby the two units will normally remain equidistantly spaced, as will become apparent.

The forward straps 4| areeach provided in one'leg thereof with a slot 59 (Figure 16) in which is arranged a latch 51 adapted to engage beneath the housing 52 to support the latfterivhen it is raised in a manner to be described. Suitable pull rods 52 are connected to the latches :5] and are provided at their rear ends with rings 53 or other handles (Figure 1) by means of which the latches 5i may be released.

The forward end of each unit 29 is provided witha frame member 54 (Figure 7) connected to each of the front posts 2| and extending horizontally inwardly. The inner 'ends of the frame members '54 are spaced from each other as shown in Figure '7 forthe passage of the stalks therebetween, as will become apparent. Each member he is provided with a bearing '55 having'bearing ears 58 receiving a short shaft 5'! received in a bearing eye 58 carried by a guiding and cutting element indicated as a whole by the numeral 59. One of these elements is shown in detail in Figure 8 and comprises a fiat elongated body portion E5! to which the bearing eye 58 is connected, and the forward end 6! of the body curves upwardly and away from the adjacent element 59 as shown in Figures 3 and 6. Intermediate its ends, each member 59 at the side thereof nearest the adjacent member 59 is provided with a coulter 62 having a downwardly and rearwardly curved cutting edge for cutting through the roots which project laterally from the stalks with respect to the direction of movement of the apparatus. These coulters cut roots which are relatively close to the surface of the ground, as will be apparent.

Each element 59 is provided with means for cutting similarly extending roots which are further below the surface of the ground. As shown in Figure 8 the body of each element 59 is cut away adjacent its rear end and at the side thereof toward the adjacent element 55, as at 63. In the space thus provided is arranged a downwardly and rearwardly sloping blade at having a forward cutting edge lying in the same plane as the cutting edge of the coulter 62. The blade (it is car ried by a shaft 65, adjacent and parallel to the shaft 57 and extending through an eye 86 (Fin ure 3) which may be formed integral with the bearing eye 53. The other end of each shaft 55 may be provided with a crank arm 6! (Figures 6 and 7). A relatively heavy coil spring 68 is connected at one end to each crank El and is suitably connected at its other end to an adjacent frame portion of the apparatus. The rearward sloping of the blades E i eliminates any tendency of the blades to pick up and carry along with them roots or other elements which might tend to interfere with their operation, while the pivoting of each blade permits it to swing upwardly upon striking stones or the like. It will be obvious that in the normal operation of the apparatus the forward ends of the units 29 are supported with respect to the ground by contact of the elements Q with the ground. The cutting of the coulters 32 and blades into the ground severs the laterally projecting roots of the stalk and facilitates the pulling up of the stalk in a manner to be described.

Each of the main frames is provided toward the rear end thereof with a shaft i3 (Figures 9 and 13). The upper end of each shaft it is retatable in a bearing ii carried by a housing 72 and this housing is carried by a cross member '13 secured to the upper frame members it and 25. The shaft in is perpendicular to the planes of the frame members '34 and and has its lower end mounted in the bearing i4 carried by a cross member l5 secured to the lower frame members 3i and 32. Circular cutting blades E5 are carried by the shaft it at spaced points therealong, the lower blades preferably being closer to each other than the remaining blades so as to cut the thicker portions of the stalks in shorter pieces, as will become apparent.

Each shaft iii is provided at its upper end, within the housing i2, with a bevel gear ii (Figures 12 and 13) meshing with a bevel gear 18 carried by a short shaft section '39. The gears ii and iii are arranged in the housing i2, the latter providing a bearing for the shaft section '39.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 12, it will be noted that the shaft section 9 at each side of the apparatus is connected by a universal joint as to a shaft 8i connected by a slip joint 82 to another shaft 83, alined with the shaft 8E. The slip joint 532 permits the shafts 8i and 33 to move endwise with respect to each other, for a purpose to become apparent, while positively connecting these shafts for rotation witheach other.

The shafts 8i and 83 slope downwardly and rcarwardly as shown in Figure 1 and each shaft 83 is connected at its rear end by a universal joint 84 to a short shaft section 85 (Figure 12). Each shaft 85 is journalled in a bearing 85 carried by one wall of the housing 81. Within this housing each shaft carries a bevel gear 88 meshing with a similar gear 89 carried by a shaft 98. This shaft extends at its ends into the housings 8i and carries both of the bevel gears 89, the central portion of the shaft 90 extending through a housing 9! and carrying a bevel ear 92 therein.

A housing 93 is provided between the housing 5H and each of the housings 31, as shown in Figare 12. This arrangement fixes the three housings at the rear of the apparatus to each other. A similar tubular housing 93 is connected between the housing iii and a projecting integral housing 95 carried by the differential casing I'I through which a power take-off shaft an extends. This shaft may be connected to the ring gear or to any other driven element within the differential cas' g and forms per se no part of the present inver n, and is provided at its rear end with a bevei gear 94 meshing with gear 92.

Each of the main frame structures of the apparatus carries a second shaft 58 adjacent and parallel to the shaft iii and journalled at its upper and lower ends in bearings St and carried respectively by the cross member it; and E5. The shaft 98 carries a plurality of disks liii each of which is arranged in contacting overlapping relationship to one of the cutter elements it to act as stalk-shearing elements in conjunction therewith. Each disk Edi carries pairs of upper and lower fingers W2 and M 3, these fingers being radial as shown in Figure 9. The lower finger N2 of each pair extends be-- neath the associated cutter i6 and the upper finger of each pair is offset to extend over the cutter member iii. The pairs of fingers serve to positively feed the stalks to the cutter bers, as will become apparent.

Means are provided for driving the shafts 58 at opposite sides of the apparatus. Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 13, the numeral Hi5 designates a housing as a whole extending transversely of the apparatus and comprising central tubular section 156 and end section lei closed at their extremities as at M38. Th housing secti ns iii? are secured to the respective cross members E5 (Figure 13) and telescopicall receive the central section Hi5. This arrangement permits movement of the main frames 28 bodily toward and away from each other.

Within each housing section it? is arranged a bearing Hi9 receiving a shaft lift to which is connected a bevel gear i ll meshing with a similar gear H2 (Figure 13) carried by the lower end of the shaft as. The shafts iii? are connected by slip joints M3 to a central shaft 5 it journalled in a bearing H5 carried by the housing section i 36. The shaft El i carries a bevel gear Hi3 (Figure 4).

A rearwardly and upwardly extending ubuiar housing ii! is provided at its forward end with a sleeve lit surrounding ann fixed to the housing I At its rear end, the housing ii! telescopically receives a tubular housing H9 having its rear end connected to a bearing iii forming one wall of a gear housing iZi. A shaft 522 is journalled in the bearing 32% and carries a bevel gear 323. At its other end, the shaft i2? carries an elongated head rotatable in the housing iii. A shaft i has its rear end splined in the head iii is rotatabl in a bearing I25 carried by the housing iii. Within the housing Hit, the shaft .i25 carries a bevel gear l2? meshin' with the gear iifi. It will be apparent that the gear I21 may be driven by the gear I23 and that the shafts I22 and I25 and housings II? and Mt are adapted to partake of axial movement with respect to each other, for a reason which will become apparent.

The housing IZI carries a pair of bearings I23 rotatably supporting a tubular shaft I29 which carries a bevel gear i353 within the housing i2i meshing with the gear I23. Wheel I39 are mounted on the ends of the tubular shaft I20 and have their hubs I32 fixed to the tubular shaft. The wheels i3! roll over the ground when the apparatus is in operation and drive the shafts :98 (Figure 13) through the various gear and shaft connections described.

Means are provided for lifting the wheels ISI out of contact with the ground, for example while turning the tractor from the end of one pair of rows of stalks into alinement with the next pair of rows, and such means lowers the rear ends of the frames 28 to be supported by the ground. For the latter purpose, the rear end of each frame 2:? is provided with a caster wheel 533 (Figur 1). When the wheel it! are in engagement with the ground, the caster wheels I33 are elevated from engagement with the ground.

Referring to Figure l, the numeral I555 designates a relatively heavy bar extending transversely of the apparatus and having its ends mounted in longated sockets I38 having flanges It? by means of which they may be secured heneath the respective inner frame members iii.

The elongation of the sockets I35 is for the purpose of providing sufficient play beyond the ends of the rod I35 to permit lateral adjustment of the frames 20, as will become apparent. The rod I35 throughout the greater portion of its length i arranged approximately in alinement with the axis of the housing IEI, the central portion of the rod ltd being bent downwardly as at I38 to clear the housing I H.

A pair of arms I38 have their forward ends enlarged as at I 49 to receive the'rod I35, and each arm I39 is similarly enlarged as at I li to receive a rod I52 parallel to the rod I35. Each rod M2 is received in a socket M3, which may be identical with the sockets I36, being provided with attaching flanges Id l for connecting it to the adjacent frame member SI. At its inner end, each rod I432 terminates in a crank arm M having a head I46 receiving one end of a shaft Ml (Figure 4). This shaft extends through the tubular shaft I29, and it will be apparent that raising and lowering of the shaft t ll will raise and lower the wheels IS'I.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and l the numeral I56 designates an operating lever as a whole having a handle I5I and spaced arms I52 pivotally connected at their lower ends as at I53 to the bars I 39. Each arm I52 carries a link I54 connecting it to the adjacent end of the shaft hit. The lowerends of the arm I 52 operate adjacent a toothed sector I 55 engageable by a detent I58 whereby the lever I58 may b locked.

in the desired positions. Each detent 555 is operable by a small handle I5I, adjacent the hanshort distance necessary for the casters I33 to contact with the ground and support the rear ends of the frames.

The stalk cutting and feeding means associated with the shafts Hi and 98 are provided with novel means for assuring the proper moving of the stalks thereto. The shaft 98 is provided with a sprocket I 68 about which passes a chain I GI (Figures 1, 9 and 13) and the forward end of this chain passes around a sprocket I52 supported by a bearing arm I83 rigidly connected to the inner frame member 3i. Spaced links of the chain Itl are provided with outstanding lugs I64 which are adapted to engage the stalks and feed them rearwardly at the right side of the chain as viewed in Figure 9. In this connection attention is invited to the fact that Figure 9 shows the chain at the upper side of the apparatus as viewed in Figure 3, that is, at the right side of the tractor. The chain will move in the direction of the arrow at the top of Figure 9 and the ear driving means for the shaft 98, described above, is so designed that the rearward movement of the right hand run of the chain as viewed in Figure 9 is equal in speed to the speed of movement of the tractor over the ground, consequently the lugs Ifi l at such side of the chain do not move with respect to the ground. Consequently they are adapted to engage the stalks moving into the forward end of the apparatus and the stalks at such time obviously are stationary with respect to the ground.

The lugs I64 operate over a rail I65 (Figures 9, l0 and 13) and this rail is carried by a curved blade Ifii; adjustably secured as at I67 to a supporting rail I63. This rail is secured at one end to an extension I 78 carried by a bearing arm I'II connected to the frame member 30 (Figure 13) and affording an additional bearing support for the shaft III. The other end of the rail I68 curves away from the sprocket I62 as at I12 and the adjacent end of the rail is supported by a transversely extending arm IiZ carried by the adjacent rail 3 I.

The shaft 98 is provided with a bearing arm I13 and this arm has an extension I'I I (Figures 9 and 10) A similar extension I75 is carried by the bearing arm I 63. A horizontally arranged channel member I16 is secured at its ends to the extensions HQ and I75 and receives a plurality of gripping members each of which is designated as a whole by the numeral Ill (Figures 10 and 11). Each of these gripping members comprises a body portion I 78 having an integral tapered gripping edge I19 projecting therefrom to be overlapped by the adjacent edge of the member I66 as shown in Figure 10. The gripping edge I'I9 extends beyond one end of the body I18 to form the forward edge of a tongue I80, the 0pposite end of the body being slotted as at I 8I to receive the tongue I86 of the next adjacent gripping member. Each member I 71 is provided with a pair of bolts I82 projecting through the base of the channel I15 and provided with a nut I83 to limit the movement of the gripping member out of the channel I15. A spring IM surrounds each bolt I82, thereby urging the gripping members I18 toward the right as viewed in Figure 10 to tend to hold the gripping edges I79 in engagement with the adjacent edge of the strip I66. These elements cooperate to grip a stalk moving therebetween and prevent its downward movement relative to the plane of the chain IISI, and since this chain has its plane sloping upwardly toward the rear sprocket Hit, the gripping elements referred to pull each stalk from the ground as it moves relatively rearwardly.

The shaft 98 carries a sprocket I90 (Figures 3 and 13) around which passes a chain l9! and the forward end of this chain passes around a sprocket I92 supported by a bearing bracket Hi3 which may be carried by one of the forward corner posts of the associated frame Zil. Certain of the links of the chain lill carry fingers 19d (Figures 1 and 13) and the relatively rearwardly running side of the chain W! has the fingers l94 thereof travelling against or in close proximity to a rail i955. The forward end of this rail turns outwardly as at I96 (Figures 3 and 13) for connection with one of the forward corner posts 2|, such post being directly behind the post Bil in Figure 13. The rear end of the rail 595 is supported with respect to the post 3! by a supporting arm I97.

Means are provided for elevating the forward ends of the frames 20, when desired, whereby the latch device shown in Figure 16 will operate and will support the frames in their upper position until released upon the pulling of the cables i5. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 14 and 15, the numeral 288 designates as a whole a novel type of wheel which is operable for elevating the forward end of each of the frames 28, one of these wheels being arranged at the forward end and outwardly of each frame 2e. Each of the wheels 2M1 is mounted on a shaft if?! supported by a bar 202, and the wheel comprises a plurality of radial arms 293 which are relatively thin and may be equidistantly spaced as shown in Figure 14. An additional spoke 204, of substantial width, is arranged at the forward side of each wheel 2% when the latter is latched in its normal position and the underside of the arm 26 3, as viewed in Figure 14, is provided with a sharp projecting lip hi5.- The arm Ziid is substantially heavier than any of the arms 293 and consequently greatly unbalances the wheel 290 to tend to cause it to rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 14. The outer extremities of the arms 233 and 2% lie on a circle concentric with the axis of the shaft 20 l The corner post 21 is provided with a slot 296 through which projects a locking finger 231 carried by the lower end of a lever 26% pivoted to the corner post 2i as at 269. The upper end of the lever extends inwardly from the post 2i and is weighted as at 238 to tend to hold the finger 297 in looking position. Above its pivot 299, each lever 298 is provided with an eye 2 to which is connected a flexible cable 2l2. Extending through an opening 2H3 in the post 2!, and thence around a pulley 2M upwardly and rearwardly to a point adjacent the post 22, the cable terminates in a finger ring or the like 2L5.

A slightly modified form of the apparatus is shown in Figure 1'7, such form being adapted for use with tractors having fly wheels arranged at the sides of the tractor above the frame thereof. In such form of the invention, most of the elements are identical with the elements shown in Figure 13 and will be generally designated by the same reference numerals. The shaft 'Hland the parts connected thereto are, in fact, identical with the corresponding parts in Figure 13. The shaft QB in Figure 17 is divided to form upper and lower sections 2i6 and 2H, the formerbeing relatively light and the latter relatively-heavy. The different sized shafts are preferably employed for the reason that the stalks being out are heavier toward the bottom than toward the top. This also permits the use of smaller disks ill! and associated elements, and the structure as a whole permits an offset generally indicated by the numeral 218 in the frame structure to provide the space required for a fly wheel in tractors employing such arrangement. This structure is provided by employing an intermediate transverse frame member are with vertical frame members 229 and 22E to connect the transverse member Ziii to the upper and lower frame structures.

A driving connection between the shaft sections 2E6 and 2H is provided by the gearing shown in Figure 18. The cross member 2l9 is provided with a gear housing 222 in which is arranged a gear 228 carried by the upper end of the shaft selection 2H. This gear meshes with an idler'gear 224, which, in turn, meshes with a gear 225 carried by the lower end of the shaft section Zlt. The gearing referred to permits the shaft section 257 to drive the shaft section 2%, and in the same direction of rotation.

The operation of the form of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 16 is as follows:

The driving connection from the tractor to the stalk cutting apparatus of the present invention is provided through the yoke Such yoke is fixed with respect to the extension i9 (Figure 1) and positively pushes the frame members 20 by the connection of the engaging members 37 with the rear frame elements 22. The horizontal dimension of the guide slot in each member 31 is substantially greater than the width of the base of the frame member 22 which fits therein, thus permitting lateral movement of the frame members 23 with respect to the yoke 35 to accommodate the apparatus to slight variations in the spaces between the rows of stalks, as will become apparent.

Normally the parts of the apparatus occupy the positions shown in Figure 1, the rear ends of the frames 28 being supported by the wheels I3| with the casters [33 out of engagement with the ground, and with the forward ends of the frames supported on the ground by the guide shoes 59. Assuming that the tractor is being driven between two rows of stalks which it is desired to cut and assuming that the spaces between the rear ends of the guide shoes 59 are alined with the stalks, the first operation will be the cutting of some of the roots of the stalk and the soil through which the roots extend. Referringto Figures 1, 6, 7 and 8 it will be noted that as the fiat portions of the guide shoes 59 slide over the ground, the coulters 82 of each pair of guide shoes will cut into the ground along parallel lines. This results in loosening the ground and rendering the stalks more easily pulled out of the ground, and likewise results in cutting 'the laterally extending roots which areclose to the surface of the ground. The cutters 6 follow the coulters in alinement therewith and cut the more deeply embedded roots and at the same time act to further loosen the soil. The cutters 6d are inclined (Figure 6) and are spring urged to normal position. The

downward and rearward inclination of these cut-' ters permits them more easily to be swung rearwardly upon encountering stones, etc., while the springs 68 exert sufficient force to cause the cutters to remain in their operative positions under sumcient pressure to perform their intended operations.

The foregoing operations having been performed, the tractor progresses forwardly to the point where the stalks will enter the frame struce tunes. The lower portion of the stalks will be engag d by h gs I6 F gures 9 and 10) and these lugs at the rearwardly moving side of the chain I6I ride over the rail I65, thus confining a stalk between an adjacent pair of lugs I64 and between the chain H51 and the rail I65. ,At the same time, the upper end portion of the stalk will be engaged by the fingers I94 of the chain I9I .and on the rearwardly moving side of this chain the fingers I94 operate along the rail I95, thus confining the upper ends of the stalks,

The lugs I64 p sitively feed the stalks relatively rearwardly and upon entering the forward end of the apparatus, each stalk is engaged between the elements I66 and H9 to be gripped thereby under substantial pressure. Referring toFigure 1 it will be noted that the chain I6I slopes uptvardly toward the rear of the apparatus, and since this is likewise true of the associated eleme ts. I5 an i i l b apparent, that he gripping of the stalk between the latter elements results, in the upward pulling of the stalk as the latter moves relatively rearwardly.

As the stalk app ta e the ah ve seplane of the rear shafts IQ and 98,, the f ngers I03 of the d k B w l n ag h ta t numer us point therealong, the fingers engagingthe stalk in the plane of each of'the outting blades I6. Thus the stalks are forced into engagement with the rapidly rotating cutters, whereby the, stalk is cut into as many relatively short pieces as desired. The pieces of the cut stalk drop. to the ground and are permitted because of their relatively small size to bereadily; turned under the soil to decay and fertilize the soil. The lowermost cutters 16 are relatively heavy and the thickness of the cutters may progressively decrease toward 1 1 .8 upper end of each shaft II! for the reason that the thickness of each stalk decreases toward i s per d to, rmi t to be elatively easi y cut; Mo ov r, h hwermqs cutters 16, are preferably closer. to. ea h her. than thev pper cutters so as. to cut the thicker portions of the s a k i to mal e ieces to permi them to decay ore e s rt. w be, appar t hat the members Hi6. (Fi ure 10 are relatively r gid. While the coactin members I15 are la eral y movable. against; the en- 1 Q e sprin s.

r n ement Permi ks. oral th ckn ss. to. pass through heapparat s and st l be i htly e ga edso. that e ro s m m o P l ed. from the ground as the al s m e re tively, a wardly and upwardly sue to the in linat on of the sr npingsand feeding devices referred to.

When the end of a air of rQwsis, reached and it is desired to turn the tractor around tovpass between the next adjacent pair of rows, the-stalk cutting mechanism ispreferably rendered inop. v Th i a mplished by releasing. the detents I56 (Figuresl and 4) and pushing forwardly on the lever handle I5I., and by pullin rearwardly n he finger n s. M5,. The first op.-

eration causes the links I54 to pull upwardly on the ends of the shaft I 4! (Figure 4.) thus swing ing the cranks I 45 on the axis, Q their transverse body portions I42. Thus the wheels I3;I- will be lifted out of contact with the ground while the rear ends of the frames 20 will belowered. toengage the caster rollers I33 with the groundto supporttherear endsof theframes. The lifting of "the wheels I3I stops the driving of the shafts 98 through the driving mechanism illustrated in Figures, 4. 11113. 7 l v The. pulling of the finger rings. 2I5 (Figure 1') exerts a pull on'the upper end of the lever 298 (Figure 15) of each stalk cutting mechanism, thus releasin the latch finger 2%? (Figures 14 and 15) from the spoke 283 which it normally engages. The relatively heavy arm 204 then causes the wheel 260 to turn in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 14- until the point 205 engages the ground and subsequently causes positive rotation of the wheel.

The wheel 200, when thus rendered operative, causes the forward ends of the frame 20 to be moved upwardly and each wheel 2B0 rolls around on the ends of the arms 2M and 203. Upward movement of the frames 28 obviously lifts the bars 44 (Figures 5 and 16) and with them their housings 42, and when the latter elements reach their upper limits of movement the latches 5| will engage beneath the housing 42 to support the forward end of each frame structure. The structure shown in Figure 16 is employed in conjunction with the housing 42 at the forward end of the apparatus and the same structure is employed at the rearward housing 42 except thatno latches 5| are employed since it is unnecessary to lock in any position the rear ends of frame structures 20 since they are supported under all conditions either by the wheels I31 or by the caster rollers I33.

After the operations referred to have been completed the operator may release the rings 2I5 (Figure 1) whereupon the wheels 202 will be stopped in their normal positions. The arm 203 which is normally vertical (Figure 14) is provided with. a lug shown in dotted lines in Figure 14 and in solid lines, in Figure 15 in the. path of travel of which thefinger 20.1 is arranged so as to stop each wheel zoo in its proper normal position. After the tractor has been turned, tov a proper position to start between another pair of rows of stalks, the operator will release the detents I56 and pull rearwardly on the. handle I5] (Figure 1-) whereupon the links I 54 will effect relative downwardv movement of the wheels. ISI. and relative upwardmovement of the rear ends of thef-rames 20, thereby lifting the caster roller from engagement with the ground and supporting the rear end of the apparatus by the wheels I3 I. The operator will then pull the finger ring 53 to release the latches 5|; and thus. drop the forward ends of the two sides of the; apparatus into their normal operative positions.

The engaging members 3.! permit vertical movement ofth rear f the framestructures 29 because of their sliding. engagement with the posts 22. This structure, also permits lateral movement of the. rear endsv of the frame structures 20 in the manner stated. Assuming that the pairs of guide shoes 59. are not exactly alined with the stalks, the engagement of theshoes with the stalks close to theground will effect. the necessary lateral movement to aline the parts. The

Rotation of the pinion 4? will rotate the shaft 48 (Figures 1 and 3) which extends to the rear pinion and rack mechanism, and accordingly it will be apparent that the rear ends of the frame structures will partake of the same movement as the forward ends, thus keeping these frame structures in parallelism under all conditions.

The driving mechanism for the stalk feeding means comprising the disk Nil, fingers IE3, chain I95, etc. is shown in Figures 4: and 13. lhe elements referred to derive their power from the wheels iiii which roll over the ground thus facilitating the designing of the parts so that the chains Nil will be driven with their operative runs moving at a speed corresponding to the speed of movement of the tractor whereby they are relatively stationary with respect to the ground as is true of the stalks. Therefore the fingers E94 are enabled to hold the stalks in vertical position during movement rearwardly to the cutters. The chain it! and associated elements are similarly driven from the shaft 98 and operate in the same manner to feed the stalks relatively rearwardly in an upright position while the elements Hit and H9 grip the stalks and 2:

gradually pull them upwardly from the ground as they move relatively rearwardly.

Since the swinging of the wheels E32 between operative and inoperative positions takes place about the axis of the alined shafts 5 32, it is necessary to provide the telescoping casings Hi and H9 and the slip joint shaft connection i2 3, I25. The swinging movement of the wheels l3! swings the casing sections i ii and l is and the sleeve i it turns about the axis of the housing i535. slip joint connections H3 and the telescoping relation between the housing sections Hi3 and Iii? permits the latter to move axially with respect to the gear housing is?) into adjusted positions occurring incident to lateral movement of the frames 2% in the manner stated.

The driving mechanism for the cutter shafts it is shown in Figures 1, 3 and 12. The power takeoff shaft drives through gears 95 and 92 and shafts and thence through gears 89 and 33 to drive the bevel gears 78 to rotate the bevel gears ll (Figures 12 and. 13) to drive the cutters is at the proper relatively high speed. The universal joints and 8d and the slip joints 82 are provided to permit the rear ends of the frame structures it to partake of their lateral adjustment and to move vertically in accordance with movement of the wheels i3! between operative and inoperative positions, as will be apparent.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in Figure 1'? will be apparent from the foregoing description. This form of the invention provides an offset 2l8, thus allowing space for the fiy wheels of tractors using such wheels at opposite sides of the frames thereof. This offset arrangement is permissible because of the fact that the upper ends of the stalks to be cut with the apparatus are relatively thin, thus permitting smaller upper blades it and smaller upper disks till. The lower shaft section 25? is relatively preferably heavy and the lower cutters 1B are preferably correspondingly heavy because of the thickness of the portions of the stalks which are cut by the lower cutters '15. The gearing shown in Figure 18 is employed so that both shafts 256 and ill will rotate in the same direction, the gears 223 and 225 being identical in size so that the two shafts referred to will rotate in the same direction,

The

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present apparatus is particularly adapted for cutting stalks, such as cotton stalks, after the crop has been harvested, and provides novel means for attaching the apparatus to a tractor to be driven thereby and for simultaneously cutting the stalks of two rows. The laterally extending roots of the stalks are cut by the coulters B2 and blades E i and the ground is loosened by these elements at the same time, thus permitting the stalks to be easily pulled from the ground. The cut stalks are permitted to drop to the ground where they can .be easily plowed under because of their relatively small size, thus eliminating the usual time and labor required for gathering the stalks and burning or otherwise disposing of them.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a vehicle, a frame carried by said vehicle and having its forward end open for the entrance of standing stalks thereinto, stalk cutting means carried by said frame, guide elements at the forward end of said frame for guiding the stalks for entrance thereinto, and means for supporting the frame with respect to the vehicle for lateral movement independently thereof to accommodate the frame to varying positions of the successive stalks.

2. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a frame, stalk cutters carried by said frame at a point spaced from the forward end thereof, means for guiding stalks for entrance into the forward end of said frame, and conveying means for supporting the stalks in upright position and moving them relatively rearwardly toward said cutters, said conveying means sloping upwardly and rear- Wardly toward said cutters and having gripping portions constructed and arranged to grip the stalks to thereby pull them from the ground as they move relatively toward said cutters.

3. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a frame, stalk cutters carried by said frame at a point spaced from the forward end thereof, means for guiding stalks for entrance into the forward end of said frame, conveying means for supporting the stalks in upright position and moving them relatively rearwardly toward said cutters, said conveying means sloping upwardly and rearwardly toward said cutters and having gri sing portions constructed arranged to grip the stalks to thereby pull them from the ground as they move relatively toward said cutters, and means for supporting said frame for lateral movement to accommodate said guiding means to variationsin the positions of successive stalks.

4. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a frame, stalk cutters carried by said frame at a point spaced the forward end thereof, means for guiding stalks for entrance into the forward end of said frame, conveying means for supporting the stalks in upright position and moving them relatively rearwardly toward said cutters, said conveying means sloping upwardly and rearwardly toward said cutters and having gripping portions constructed and arranged to grip the stalks to thereby pull them from the ground as they move relatively toward said cutters, means. for supporting the forward end of said frame. for lateral movement to accommodate said variations in. the positions of suc and means for connecting said frame to a tractor to be propelled thereby, said last named means constructed. and arranged to. provide for lateral movement of said frame independently of the. tracto 5.. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising an. elongated. frame, means for connecting the forward, end of said frame to a tractor, stalk cutters ca fried lay frame adjacent the rear end thereof, means at the forward end of said frame for guiding successive stalks. relative to said are for entrance thereinto, means for conveying stalks relatively rcarwardly to said cutters, a wheel connected to said frame and engageable with the ground tosupport the rear end of said frame, transmission means connecting said wheel i S id conveying means to drive them, and.

means for moving said wheel relative to the frame to lowerthe' rear end of the frame to he supported by the ground and for lifting said wheel out of contact with the ground to stop operation of said conveying means.

6. A stallcutting apparatus comprising an. elongated frame, means for connectingthe'forward end of said frame to a tractor, stalk cutters carried by said frame adjacent the rea end thereof, means at the forward end of said frame for guiding successive stalks relative to said frame for entrance thereinto, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to said cutters, a wheel connected to said frame and engage-sole with the ground, transmission means connecting said wheel to said conveying means to drive them, said conveying means sl ping upwardly and rearwarclly toward said cutters and having gripping portions constructed andv arranged to grip sues cessive stalks to pull them from th ground as they move relatively rearwardly.

7. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising an elongated frame, means for connecting the for-. ward end of said frame to a tractor, stalk cut.-

ters carried by said frame adjacent the rear end thereof, means at the forward end of said frame for guiding successive stalks relative to said frame for entrance thereinto, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to said cutters, a wheel connected to said frame and engageable with the ground, transmission means connectin said wheel. to said conveying means to drive them, the means for connecting the forward end of said frame to the tractor being constructed and arranged to provide for lateral movement of said frame to accommodate said guiding means to varying positions of successive stalks, and means for effecting lateral movement of the rear end of said frame corresponding to lateral movement of the forward end thereof, said transmission means being constructed and arranged to accommodate itself to lateral movement of said frame.

8. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising an elongated frame, means for connecting the forward end of said frame to a tractor, movable stalk cutters carried by said frame adjacent the said frame for guiding successive stalks relative to said frame for entrance thereinto, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to said cutters, a wheel connected to said frame and engageable with the ground, transmission means connecting said Wheel to said conveying means to d i e t m the t a tor h in a pow r takerear end thereof, means at the forward end of shaft, means for driving said cutters from said shaft.

9;. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elon ated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, and means connectin said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, said last named means being constructed and arranged to; effect lateral movement of either frame upon lateral movement of tr e other frame by engagement of the latter with a stalk.

19. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on by the f: v d end of each frame for guiding succes ye, stalks thereiuto, stalk cutters carried by chi l; frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of ctks,. common means connecting the rear so as of both of said frames to said tractor Wherethe latter propels said frames.

11. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means ca ried by the forward end of each frame for successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, means connecting frame for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, and common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, said common means having lateral sliding connection with each frame to permit lateral movement thereof.

12. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried hy'each frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardiy to the cutters of each frame, and a ground Wheel device for driving the conveying r means of both frames.

13. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair ofelongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to the cutters of each frame, a ground wheel device for driving the conveying means of both frames, means for moving said ground heel device relative to said frames for simultaneously raising said ground wheel device ou of c c with round an lowering t rear'ends of said frames, and supporting wheels for the rear ends of said frames engageable with the ground when they are lowered.

14. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means tovarying widths of rows of stalks, common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to the cutters of each frame, a ground wheel device for driving the conveying means of both frames, means for moving said ground wheel device relative to said frames for simultaneously raising said ground wheel device out of contact with the ground and lowering the rear ends of said frames, and supporting wheels for the rear ends of said frames engageable with the ground when they are lowered, said common means being constructed and arranged whereby the rear ends of said frames are adapted to move upwardly and downwardly.

15. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, means for conveying stalk relatively rearwardly to the cutters of each frame, a ground wheel device for driving the conveying means of both frames, and cutting elements carried by said guide means for cutting through the laterally extending roots of each stalk, said conveying means being constructed and arranged to pull the stalks vertically from the ground as they move relatively toward said cutters.

16. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising a pair of elongated frames adapted for arrangement on opposite sides of a tractor, guide means carried by the forward end of each frame for guiding successive stalks thereinto, stalk cutters carried by each frame, means connecting said frames for simultaneous lateral movement to accommodate said guide means to varying widths of rows of stalks, common means connecting the rear ends of both of said frames to said tractor whereby the latter propels said frames, means for conveying stalks relatively rearwardly to the cutters of each frame, a ground wheel device for driving the conveying means of both frames, and cutting elements carried by said guide means for cutting through the laterally extending roots of each stalk, said conveying means sloping upwardly and rearwardly toward said cutters and being constructed and arranged to grip the stalks as they move relatively rearwardly to pull them from the ground.

17. A stalk cutting apparatus comprising an elongated frame, means for connecting said frame to a tractor for vertical movement with respect therto, means for connecting said frame to the tractor to be propelled thereby, stalk cutters carried by said frame, guide shoes carried by the forward end of said frame and slidable over the ground for guiding successive stalks relative to said frame for entrance thereinto, means engageable with the ground for elevating the forward end of said frame to lift said shoes from the ground, releasable means normally rendering said elevating means inoperative and latch means for holding the forward end of said frame in elevated position when moved to said position by said elevating means.

PERRY W. SPELL. 

